Gambling Articles

Senate Inquiry into Gaming Machines

22 September 2008

Family First Senator Steve Fielding has introduced 2 bills into Federal Parliament seeking to dramatically restrict the gaming machine industry in Australia. When introducing the first Bill in February 2008, Senator Fielding "declared war on poker machines" with "a bold new plan that will see pokies phased out of pubs and clubs and restricted to racetracks and casinos." more


Gaming Venues Employees with Gambling Problems

2 September 2008

It has long been known that gaming venue staff are at greater risk of developing gambling problems than the general population. But why is this? more


How can Financial Counselling Help?

1 July 2008

It is common for problem gamblers to get into difficulties with debt. This can also cause problems for their families. How can financial counselling help? How does financial counselling differ from problem gambling counselling? Where can you find a financial counselling service in your area? more


Developments in Responsible Gambling

7 May 2008

In the state of NSW, a statutory 5 year review of the Gaming Machines Act was completed and tabled in Parliament. We take a look at some of the proposed ammendments in addition to initiatives that have been proposed and implemented in various States as well as at a Federal level. more


What is Responsible Gambling?

13 February 2008

Unfortunately about 2.1% of adult Australians have problems with their gambling. These problems are usually spending more money than they can afford or spending too much time gambling. The concept of Responsible Gambling encompasses the range of strategies developed to reduce and respond to problem gambling. more


Changes to the NSW Gaming Machines Act 2001

10 December 2007

The NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing has recently released a 5-year report on the Gaming Machines Act 2001. The government has responded positively to recommendations made by a range of stakeholders including BetSafe. The report recommends some important changes to gaming machine laws in NSW. more


Has the incidence of problem gambling really decreased?

19 October 2007

There have been a number of recent reports in the media which have suggested that the incidence of problem gambling in NSW has decreased by a significant amount. The basis of these claims is a comparison of two studies which were endorsed by the federal and state governments. So has the incidence of problem gambling really decreased? more


Responsible Gambling Interventions: Helpful or Hype?

1 October 2007

There has been a lot of media coverage recently surrounding the issue of gambling and problem gambling. It has been turned into a political issue by the Federal parties who are jostling for vital votes and lobby groups with their own agendas trying to sway public opinion. more


Problem Gambling Tests

1 September 2007

There are a number of different ways in which governments and problem gambling counsellors test people to see if they have a gambling problem. Tests usually incorporate mental health issues, economic issues and social questions. more


Do you have a problem gambler in your family?

1 August 2007

How to determine whether a family member or friend may have a gambling problem. Outline of some practical strategies that can be used to help problem gamblers. more


What is Gambling Counselling?

1 July 2007

Gambling counselling is a modern form of treatment that enables a person with gambling problems to understand and take steps to overcome their problems with the assistance of a professional counsellor. more


What is Self Exclusion?

1 June 2007

Self exclusion is a responsible gambling measure that assists the recovery of problem gamblers and a preventative measure for those who have periodic difficulties controlling their gambling expenditure. The problem gambler agrees to keep out of the gambling venue and the gambling venue agrees to assist the gambler to keep out. more


What is Problem Gambling?

1 May 2007

Most Australians find gambling to be a harmless pastime. However, a few gamblers are unable to keep their gambling under control and cause problems for themselves and others. These problems may become very serious for some. more